Chief Abbott says be prepared to evacuate

This photo of a giant plume of smoke produced by the Rock fire shortly after it ignited, July 28, was taken from south-central Fallbrook, near North County Fire Station 2 on Winterwarm Drive.

Last month's Rock fire (July 28) serves as an important reminder of the importance to be prepared to evacuate, and when told to do so during a wildfire, to evacuate quickly.

Fires across the nation are now regularly burning at once historic rates, and less predictably. The "firenado" that was responsible for four of the six deaths at the Carr fire in Redding is but just one such example.

Staying behind after receiving an evacuation order will put your life at risk. With such aggressive fire behavior, rescue is often not possible even if resources are available.